Free White Lies (A Twisted Fate Series) (Volume 1) by Kristin Mayer Page A

have them! This is amazing!”
    She gave a quick clap. Needless to say, she was… eccentric. “Oh, you’ve made my day! I’m going to get to work on this immediately. We’ll go through any you want to keep and all the specifics later this week, if that works.”
    In all the excitement, she leaned in to kiss both my cheeks, like in Europe.
    “That sounds great. I don’t want to keep any.”
    Squeals erupted from her, and I took a step back at the unexpected screech. Eva was oblivious to the scene she was causing. “This is your best work yet, Willow. They are so raw and emotional. Oh, I love them. Okay, I need to get back to the gallery. Can I send someone to get all the paintings tomorrow?”
    “Yes. Thank you, Eva!” I remembered Carson asked for my help and told me to pack a bag. He knew he’d be able to get me to say yes. “I may be out of town. Mildred and Chris can let them into my studio.”
    Carson beamed, knowing I basically agreed to go.
    “Perfect. Let me know. I have their numbers from the last show, in case you do decide to leave town. I’ve got to go plan this fab event.” Eva waved as she walked to her car, completely ignoring Carson.
    I hadn’t spoken to Eva since I got married. I wasn’t even sure if she knew I’d been married. Alex stayed out of the public eye with me. And with all his issues, I’d only told a few close friends about us. It shamed me that I allowed him to control so much of my life.
    My own show… it was unbelievable. Astounding. Surreal. Normally, I’d share the showcase with several artists. This was the perfect timing for something positive to happen, giving me a glimpse that hope existed. I was truly achieving my dreams regarding my career.
    A hand patted my shoulder. “I’m so proud of you, Willow. Your dad would be proud, too.”
    A lumped formed in my throat. “That means a lot, Carson.”
    I often wondered what Dad would think of my life now with all the mistakes I’d made. Mom, too. At least they were together now. Their deaths were sudden, and I was missing so many words of wisdom. Nonno had many for me, but it wasn’t the same.
    Carson walked toward the house and called over his shoulder. “We’re leaving in one hour.”
    “Where?”
    No answer. Half the time, I thought he aggravated me on purpose.
     

     
    Four hours later, we pulled up the drive of a gorgeous two-story house located on a private beach in Newport, Rhode Island. I wasn’t a fan of flying, especially in small private planes like the one Carson owned. Heights made me nervous. Carson knew this, of course, and drove instead.
    The front porch lights were on, and the sun was setting behind the house, creating a cascade of orange and red. “Who owns this place?”
    “Potentially me.”
    I spun around. “Carson, this is gorgeous.”
    We walked around as I took it all in. The place was amazing—definitely Carson’s taste. There were cobblestone paths surrounded by plants. I meandered about as Carson stayed near the car. It was as if I’d entered another place—truly mystical.
    Birds chirped in the distance, bringing a smile to my face as I touched a red petal from a rose bush. I plucked it and smelled it, appreciating the beauty.
    I emerged back onto the driveway and found Carson leaning against his car, waiting for me.
    Looking up, I saw a glass deck that disappeared around the back of the house on the second story. The view must be amazing from up there, creating an artist’s paradise. If Carson bought it, no doubt I would be over here to draw.
    “How did you find this place?”
    The house was modern with metal trimmings and windows. It was impressively large. I lived on the beach, but this was a dream vacation home. I stepped up onto the front porch to keep looking.
    Carson joined me. “I’ve been looking for a place to relax and unwind away from the Hamptons. This came on the market, and they’re holding it for me.”
    I quirked a brow. “Holding it for you?”
    “Yes, for a